To the Editor

To think our community has any obligation to accept the decision of receiving Greater Sydney’s waste, train freighted over 500 kilometres, stockpiled in containers and fed into a “modern, closed-loop, sealed, new technology, circular economy” incinerator (Energy from Waste) is ridiculousness at it’s finest.

I have seen insults hurled, belittling comments made and defamatory statements proclaimed towards opponents of the incinerator proposal since the outset.

It is absolutely not true that the incinerator is “fully contained”, the proponents (Ed Nicholas) have admitted that it produces particulates, dioxins, furans, carbon dioxide, sulphur oxide, and many other detrimental byproducts that will reach our air, waterways and food sources.

It is highly damaging to spruik that it does not release any particulates besides water vapour, that is misinformation.

It is also poor form to compare it to farming practices, considering chemicals are not continuously sprayed, stubble is not continually burnt and farm vehicles do not run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This kind of talk undermines the fantastic management practices that our local farming community utilise, and makes me question why you would eat any food at all if there was any chance that it would be as dangerous, or more, than an incinerator less than 10 kilometres from your house, water sources and schools.

As we near the end of the month, and over six months since a major announcement was made, I would like to remind the community that a submission can be made to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry on Energy from Waste facilities by the 31st of October.

It only requires a minimum of 250 words to be considered unique, with your concerns listed, your views and ideas on waste management, and, if inclined, your hopes for the project.

There are people available in the shire to assist with your submissions and make your voice heard.

After the lack of consultation, the suppression of communication online and control over the ability to raise concerns, this is your chance to make your opinion matter.

Jacob Unger, PCFA member and Peak Hill resident